IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a management agreement with API Hotels & Resorts to introduce the first Kimpton hotel in the United Arab Emirates. The 280-room Kimpton Dubai is set to open in the first quarter of 2026 and represents the brand’s debut in the emirate, furthering IHG’s regional expansion, which now includes over 122 hotels and nearly 44 000 rooms across nine countries in the Middle East.

Located along the Business Bay Canal, close to the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Kimpton Dubai will serve as a vibrant social hub within the city. The area has become a prominent destination for both business and leisure, drawing a diverse range of residents and visitors.

The new hotel will feature a variety of accommodations, including standard rooms and suites, alongside three distinct dining concepts and seven flexible meeting spaces, which include a ballroom. Emphasizing wellness and leisure, Kimpton Dubai will offer amenities such as a rooftop swimming pool, spa, fitness center, curated retail outlets, and ample parking. The hotel is committed to delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences, staying true to Kimpton’s reputation for culinary innovation.

This hotel marks the second collaboration between IHG and API Hotels & Resorts, following the opening of InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay in September 2024. Earlier, IHG also signed a management agreement with The King Abdullah Financial District Management and Development Company to establish the region’s first Kimpton hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts – India, Middle East & Africa, emphasized the brand’s commitment to redefining luxury lifestyle hospitality. He noted that Kimpton hotels are designed to inspire connection and creativity, often collaborating with local talent, from artists to chefs. He expressed pride in introducing the Kimpton brand to the UAE and providing a fresh hospitality experience in Business Bay.

An API Hotels & Resorts spokesperson highlighted the partnership as a reflection of their shared goal to deliver global luxury experiences to the region. They believe that Kimpton Dubai will offer a unique alternative in the city’s hospitality landscape, blending elevated lifestyle elements with a boutique essence, and becoming a landmark for both residents and visitors.

Every Kimpton property aims to foster human connections through personal touches that enhance guest experiences, merging heartfelt hospitality with unique design. IHG operates nine core brands in the Middle East, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, and Vignette Collection, among others.